Netflix is rolling out a new feature today that will offer a serious audio upgrade to some of your favorite shows.
The feature, simply called high-quality audio, will upgrade 5.1 audio streams from 192 kbps up to 640 kbps, and Dolby Atmos streams from 448 kbps up to 768 kbps.
Netflix determined that anything above 640 kbps for 5.1 a 10:1 compression ratio compared to a 24-bit 5.1 channel studio master wouldn’t deliver any additional value to the listening experience. For Dolby Atmos, the ceiling has been pushed to 768 kbps.
“That means that while the audio is compressed, it is indistinguishable from the original source.” Meh, I’m not so sure that audiophiles would agree with that statement.
Netflix said it expects the bitrates to evolve over time as their encoding techniques become more efficient.
Dolby Atmos streaming is only available to members subscribed to Netflix’s premium plan.
